Red Sox obtain utility player Conor Jackson from Oakland

The Boston Red Sox, in the midst of a heated rivalry with the New York Yankees, bolstered their roster by adding super utility player Conor Jackson in a trade with the Oakland Athletics.

The Athletics received minor league pitcher Jason Rice in return.

Jackson's acquisition was made before the midnight deadline, which means he will be eligible for the postseason roster.

Jackson, the former first round pick for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2003, will give the Red Sox added depth at first and third base and the outfield for the stretch run.

He's hitting .249 with four home runs and 38 RBI in 102 games this season.

Earlier this week general manager Theo Epstein said it was "probably unlikely" the Red Sox would make a move before the deadline, but a setback with right fielder J.D. Drew 's finger injury could have changed his mind. Drew was expected to be activated this week, but he is still suffering from a sprain in the middle finger of his right hand.

Josh Reddick has manned right field since Drew's injury since mid-July.

Jackson does have postseason experience. In 2007, he hit .235 in six games with the Diamondbacks.

The move also gives the Red Sox another right-handed hitter off the bench. He has a .256 batting average vs. left-handers.

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